New year, new laws. Check out some of the latest updates to Pa.’s books.

They include a 'Clean Slate' measure, designed to get people back into the workforce after convictions.

Katie is a reporter for PA Post and she hosts its political podcast State of the State. For two years she has covered the legislature, governor, and a wide range of political issues for public radio stations across Pennsylvania.

(Harrisburg) — As 2018 turned to 2019, a bunch of new laws took effect in Pennsylvania.

For one, a new year in the commonwealth wouldn’t be complete these days without an increase to turnpike tolls.

Harsher penalties for drunk driving are now on the books too. Third-time offenders with blood alcohol levels at or above 0.16 now face felony charges.

Another new bill, which partially kicked in after Christmas, is a so-called “Clean Slate” measure. It’s designed to get people back into the workforce after convictions, sealing records for summary offenses and non-violent misdemeanors after 10 years. Right now, people have to petition to get their records cleared, but the process will become automatic on June 28.

There is also a new law protecting child victims of human trafficking. Under it, these children can’t be prosecuted. It also creates a new victim services fund for them.

This article has been updated to correct a description of the Clean Slate Act. The record expungement process is not yet automatic. Until June, interested people will have to petition to have their records cleared.